Laura Plantak

I'm Laura, an entrepreneur with a passion for blending creativity and business strategy. As the founder of Proprium, my mission is to help businesses streamline their processes, optimize workflows, and improve efficiency through customized solutions.

With over a decade of experience in project management and leadership, I've had the opportunity to work with organizations that face unique challenges, and I've found joy in helping them overcome those challenges with innovative, tailored strategies.

From a young age, I've always been drawn to entrepreneurship - building something from scratch and solving complex problems has always excited me. This drive led me to establish Proprium, where I focus on integrating business management tools like ClickUp, SmartSuite, and HubSpot to help clients elevate their productivity and streamline their operations. But for me, entrepreneurship is about more than just growth - it's about empowering people to achieve their goals and find balance in their professional and personal lives.

I believe in continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience. Running a business comes with challenges, but the growth opportunities, both personal and professional, keep me motivated. My approach is hands-on, and I take pride in working closely with my clients to ensure that we create lasting value together. Whether it's through consulting, event management, or process optimization, I help them make the most of their creativity and business potential.

Empowering entrepreneurs through knowledge, creativity, and inspiring content.

My Journey Into Entrepreneurship

Growing up, I was always drawn to problem-solving. Whether it was puzzles, creative projects, or simply figuring out how things worked, I loved the process of taking something apart and putting it back together more efficiently or interestingly. This curiosity, combined with a deep love for creativity, shaped much of my early life.

I was fortunate to grow up in a household that valued exploration and learning. My parents encouraged me to explore all my interests, from art and music to problem-solving and entrepreneurship. I dabbled in many different creative outlets, and through that exploration, I discovered the joy of building things from the ground up.

Even as a child, I was fascinated by the idea of creating something meaningful that didn't exist before. I was captivated by how creativity could solve problems and make a real impact on the world. This early combination of creativity and structure would become the foundation for my future career.

Blending Creativity with Strategy

Until I entered the professional world, I wasn't aware of how much businesses, particularly creative ones, struggled with the operational side of things. My career began in cultural management and the non-profit sector, where I worked on a variety of projects ranging from event management to strategic planning for organizations.

These early roles were instrumental in shaping my understanding of how businesses work - particularly those in the creative and cultural industries. I saw firsthand how many organizations were filled with incredibly talented people who had great ideas but often lacked the structure and processes necessary to bring those ideas to life. I became deeply invested in finding ways to help these businesses streamline their operations without sacrificing their creative spirit.

It was during this time that I developed a strong interest in project management. I found that I had a knack for organizing complex projects and helping teams work more efficiently. This eventually led me to pursue further education, where I focused on learning everything I could about how to run a successful business.

By 2017, I had earned my master's degree and had a clear vision of what I wanted to do. I realized that I could take all the skills and knowledge I had gained and apply them to a broader range of industries. The seed for Proprium was planted, and I began to plan how I would turn this vision into a reality.

Turning an Idea into Reality

In 2018, I leaped and founded Proprium. The name comes from the Latin word or "property" or "characteristic", which perfectly reflects my belief that every business, every organization, and every individual has something unique that defines them. My mission with Proprium is to help businesses identify and harness that uniqueness to improve their efficiency and achieve their goals.

Starting my own business wasn't easy, but it was something I felt deeply passionate about. I had spent years working in structured organizations, where I saw firsthand the challenges they faced. There was often a lack of resources and knowledge when it came to managing the operational side of things - whether it was organizing events, coordinating projects, or implementing new tools to improve productivity. I knew there was a gap in the market for services that could bridge this divide, and I was determined to fill it.

When Proprium launched, I focused on providing services that would help businesses optimize their workflows and streamline their operations. We specialize in process automation and the implementation of software tools like ClickUp, SmartSuite, and HubSpot. I quickly realized that many businesses, especially smaller ones, were overwhelmed by the complexity of managing projects, deadlines, and communications. By offering solutions tailored to their specific needs, I was able to help them regain control of their time and focus on what mattered, growing their businesses.

People First, Always

At the core of everything I do is a simple belief, business should be about people. Whether it's helping a client streamline their operations or working with a team to organize a major event, my focus is always on how we can improve the experience for everyone involved. I believe that when businesses function efficiently, they're able to create more value - not just for themselves, but for their customers, employees, and the wider community.

For me, it's never just about implementing a tool or strategy and walking away. I work closely with my clients to understand their specific challenges, needs, and goals. My approach is personal and hands-on because I believe that real success comes from understanding the people behind businesses.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the transformations that occur when businesses can streamline their processes and focus on what they do best. Whether it's a creative agency that finally has the time to focus on developing new projects or a non-profit that can allocate more resources to its mission, I love being part of that process.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Like any entrepreneur, I've faced my fair share of challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles I encountered early on was the steep learning curve that comes with running a business. There's no manual for entrepreneurship, and while I had experience in project management and non-profit leadership, there were many aspects of running a business that I had to learn on the go - finance, marketing, legal regulations, you name it.

But I've always believed that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and I've embraced the process of figuring things out as I go. One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years is the power of continuous learning. As an entrepreneur, I've faced countless challenges - some I expected, many I didn'. What has kept me moving forward is my commitment to growth and adaptability.

I'm always looking for ways to improve, whether that's through formal education, attending workshops and conferences, or simply learning from the people I work with. This mindset has been crucial to my success, as it has allowed me to stay ahead in a constantly evolving business landscape.

Approach to Balance

I also believe deeply in the importance of balance - but not in the traditional sense of a perfect 50:50 split between work and life. For me, balance is about finding what works best for you at the moment, and that can look very different depending on the day. Some days, balance might mean taking a full day off to recharge, while other days it's finding an hour between meetings to breathe and reset. And sometimes, it's about putting in extra hours over a weekend to set up a system that will save you time and mental energy down the road.

What I've come to realize is that true balance is achieved by listening to yourself, to that inner voice that tells you what you need. For years, I ignored that voice in favor of doing more, achieving more, and working harder. Now, I know when it's time to close the laptop and step outside, or even to take a short walk, read a book, or plan a trip to clear my head. It's not about having the perfect balance every single day - some days will demand more from you and others will allow you to be fully free. The key is recognizing what you need at any given moment and being okay with that.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years is that, instead of chasing a perfect 50:50 balance, I need to get comfortable saying no and setting boundaries. It's about prioritizing myself alongside my professional responsibilities. I've learned that the people around me just need clarity - knowing when something will happen and trusting that I'll deliver. It's perfectly okay to postpone something or clearly state a boundary because if you don't take care of yourself, your work will inevitably suffer.

Being an entrepreneur doesn't mean letting your work define you. It's a canvas for your creativity, one of the ways you fulfill your purpose, but it doesn't have to consume you. Your work and efforts should take on a life of their own, something sustainable even when you step away.

Role of Technology in My Work

I'm passionate about how technology can improve business operations. The right tools, implemented effectively, don't just make day-to-day tasks easier, they transform how a business thinks, operates, and grows. That's why I've made technology integration a key component of what I do at Proprium. From project management tools like ClickUp to automation platforms like SmartSuite and CRM solutions like HubSpot, I work with businesses to identify the best tools for their unique needs and guide them through seamless implementation.

Over the years, I've noticed that many businesses, especially smaller ones, feel overwhelmed by technology. They worry that new software will be too complex or that the implementation process will take away from their daily operations. I'm here to simplify that process. I take the time to understand each client's workflows, challenges, and goals, and then customize technology solutions that fit seamlessly into their existing structures. My goal is always to make technology work for people, not the other way around.

Through automation and process optimization, I help businesses save time, reduce errors, and ultimately focus more on growth and innovation. But it's not just about using technology to increase efficiency - it's about using it to empower teams to think creatively and work smarter.

Looking Forward

As I look ahead to the future, I'm incredibly excited about what's to come. I've built Proprium from the ground up, and I'm proud of the work we've done so far. But I know there's so much more ahead. My goal is to continue growing the business, expanding our services, and reaching more clients around the world.

I'm particularly excited about developing educational programs, both for individuals and businesses. I want to create more opportunities for people to learn, grow, and develop the skills to succeed in today's fast-paced business environment. Whether it's through workshops, one-on-one coaching, or online courses, I'm committed to helping others unlock their potential.

Ultimately, my mission is to make a meaningful impact - both in the lives of the clients I work with and in the larger business community. I want to help businesses thrive, to empower individuals to pursue their dreams, and to foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and growth.

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm grateful for every step along the way. I'm excited to see where it will take me next and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and evolve as I move forward.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to connecting with you!